Best Boy (Gottlieb)

Best Boy 
Eli Gottlieb, 2015
Liveright Publishing
256 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781631490477


Summary
A landmark novel about autism, memory, and, ultimately, redemption.

Sent to a "therapeutic community" for autism at the age of eleven, Todd Aaron, now in his fifties, is the "Old Fox" of Payton LivingCenter. A joyous man who rereads the encyclopedia compulsively, he is unnerved by the sudden arrivals of a menacing new staffer and a disruptive, brain-injured roommate.

His equilibrium is further worsened by Martine, a one-eyed new resident who has romantic intentions and convinces him to go off his meds to feel "normal" again. Undone by these pressures, Todd attempts an escape to return "home" to his younger brother and to a childhood that now inhabits only his dreams.

Written astonishingly in the first-person voice of an autistic, adult man, Best Boy—with its unforgettable portraits of Todd’s beloved mother, whose sweet voice still sings from the grave, and a staffer named Raykene, who says that Todd "reflects the beauty of His creation"—is a piercing, achingly funny, finally shattering novel no reader can ever forget. (From the publisher.)

Author Bio
• Birth—N/A
• Raised—New Jersey, USA
• Education—Hampshire College
• Awards—Rome Prize; McKitterick Prize (Britain)
• Currently—lives in New York City, New York


Eli Gottlieb, an American author, was born in New York City and raised in New Jeresy. He graduated from Hampshire College.

Novels
His first novel, The Boy Who Went Away, was published in 1997 to widespread critical acclaim. It earned Gottlieb the Rome Prize and the McKitterick Prize from the British Society of Authors in 1998.

His second novel, Now You Seem Him, came out in 2008. Translated into eleven languages, the novel was named "Book of the Year" by The Independent (UK) and Bookmarks magazine.

His third novel, The Face Thief, came out in 2012, and his fourth, Best Boy in 2015.

Career
Gottlieb has taught American literature at the University of Padua Italy, written documentary films and worked as a senior editor at Elle magazine, and as a staff writer for The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He lives in New York City, New York. (Adapted from Wikipedia. Retrieved 10/6/2015.)

Book Reviews
Affecting…. Todd’s is an engaging and nuanced consciousness, so vital that the reader feels profound tenderness―and distinct fear―as this sweet man ventures out into the world…. As ill-advised as his flight might be, we stand on the ground below…enchanted by the simplicity of his soaring.
Bret Anthony Johnston - New York Times Book Review


Raw and beautiful…. With a mesmerizingly rhythmic narration…. What rises and shines from the page is Todd Aaron, a hero of such singular character and clear spirit that you will follow him anywhere. You won’t just root for him, you will fight and push and pray for him to wrest control of his future. You will read this book in one sitting or maybe two, and, I promise, you will miss this man deeply when you are done.
Ann Bauer - Washington Post


Fascinating…. Gottlieb's imaginings of what's going on in the mind of an adult living somewhere on the autism spectrum feel credible and real…. Lyrical.
Carol Memmott - Chicago Tribune


Engrossing…. Taking us into Todd's consciousness where emotions are visceral sensations, Gottlieb beautifully illuminates a little-understood world.
People


(Starred review.) [Todd's] voice is spectacular, oscillating between casual and obsessive and frequently challenging the stereotypes that haunt those with autism.... [A] fast read, and the plot is never less than captivating.... Gottlieb’s attention to crafting Todd’s internal monologue is something to behold.
Publishers Weekly


(Starred review.) Gottlieb has created something quite exceptional in [Tpdd's] character. His interior life and psychology are convincingly drawn. He is beset with fears, confusions, and misunderstandings—along with disturbing memories and violent emotions—and these are described with great sympathy and insight.... A deeply moving portrait of a kind and gentle soul. —Patrick Sullivan, Manchester Community Coll., CT
Library Journal


(Starred review.) [E]loquent, sensitive rendering of a marginalized life.... Gottlieb merits praise for both the endearing eloquence of Todd's voice and a deeply sympathetic parable that speaks to a time when rising autism rates and long-lived elders force many to weigh tough options.
Kirkus Reviews

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